Finding a councilor

[Panic57]

When you are looking for a councilor or therapist, what do you look for?  Are you looking for a certain degree?  Recommendations from people you know?  Price point?  Their treatment or plan for you?  Free first session to feel them out?  How do you tell the good therapist from the bad ones?  What are your red flags?

 

[Alex]

I look at what they specialize in, and I also go by gut instinct as many will have photos too if you check them online. Reviews don't always work, or recommendations. Once I had a therapist who had written papers, and was highly recommended and I just didn't get on with him at all. In fact I dreaded going, and the worst thing is I knew he was so renowned there was pressure to make it work. You have to feel comfortable with them, and only you can tell that and usually within the first few minutes.

 

[DDNatureLover]

When I was getting my undergraduate degree, I saw a counselor at the university's counseling center. I went in to see her for a school related issue, and ended up seeing her for a few other things, as well. She was very easy to talk to, and because she was attached to the university, it was free for me. If money is a factor, there are (at least here in the U.S.) sliding scale clinics, and also most universities with Counseling/Clinical Psychology programs have clinics where the students in training will see clients. Professors oversee the sessions and treatment, so there's no need to worry about not receiving proper treatment. The cost is usually either free or on a sliding scale, which means it's based upon your income. Therapists/counselors here are licensed by the state or states they practice in, and I wouldn't see one who wasn't properly credentialed. 

 

[HappyKoi]

I look for someone with a degree, of course, and someone who I know will be open-minded about my religion.  I tend to do better with males than with females, but I've had female counselors before.  I think it's good to find someone who understands your social and spiritual needs (if any), but who is open-minded enough to get you out of those boxes if they're not working for you.  I would also like a counselor who has worked with people with my issues and problems before.  The person also has to be able to meet with me regularly, on a reasonably fixed schedule, like every Friday, for example.  I was seeing members of my clergy for counseling, and I might go back to that again.  In that case, you may have to try out a bunch of people, because some are better than others.